Celebrated news anchor Zubeidah Kananu has officially parted ways with Standard Media Group after an illustrious 18-year career at the Mombasa Road-based media house.

The ever-bubbly journalist made the announcement on Thursday, 25 September 2025, marking the close of a significant chapter in her professional journey.

In her farewell message, Zubeidah reflected on nearly two decades that, in her own words, were filled with growth, challenges, and lifelong friendships.

“I would like to personally share with you that after 18 fulfilling years of service at Standard Group PLC, I have reached the end of that chapter in my professional journey,” she wrote.

“Those years were filled with growth, learning, challenges, and friendships that have shaped the person and journalist I am today.”

A New Chapter Ahead

Although she is leaving her role at Standard, Zubeidah emphasised that her commitment to her leadership duties as president of the Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) remains unwavering.

She was re-elected to the position in May 2025 after defeating fellow journalist Yvonne Okwara with 14 votes.

“This transition marks the beginning of a new phase for me,” she noted, “but my dedication to the Kenya Editors Guild and to our collective mission remains steadfast. I am fully committed to continuing the work we have begun together — strengthening ethical journalism, protecting press freedom, and nurturing the next generation of media leaders.”

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The award-winning Swahili news anchor also expressed gratitude to colleagues, fans, and supporters who have stood by her over the years.

She hinted at future engagements, including KEG’s Annual Editors’ Convention in Kilifi this November, describing her outlook as “hopeful and optimistic.”

Colleagues and Fans Celebrate Her Legacy

Following her announcement, Zubeidah received an outpouring of warm tributes from friends and industry peers. Fellow anchors and media personalities praised her professionalism, mentorship, and warmth.

Reflecting on KTN News and Its Legacy

In a heartfelt Instagram post mid last year when KTN News closed, Zubeidah looked back on one of her proudest career milestones — the launch ofKTN News on 11 July 2015.

“This is a special throwback to July 11, 2015. That day will forever be engraved in my heart. The day we launched KTN News, I had the honour of anchoring the first bulletin at Tribe-Village Market,” she recalled. She revealed that she had been called just hours before the event, yet still made history as the first anchor on the 24-hour news channel.

She also remembered how critics initially dismissed the channel, joking that it only had “three viewers — their family members.” Nine years later, KTN News had risen to become one of the most influential broadcasters in Kenya.

“I’ll forever be grateful to God for giving me the opportunity to witness history being written and for being part of the amazing team that wrote that history,” she wrote. “KTN News will forever be dear to me, our baby, the platform that made me who I am today.”